Inspiration

Shopping for new appliances can be a daunting task because there are so many things you need to consider: size, style, brand, features, and price, but you also need to be aware of the operating costs and energy usage.

A lot of people tend to overlook the operating costs and energy usage until they get their first energy bill and your major appliances can be real energy guzzlers. According to Natural Resources Canada, major appliances account for approximately 12% of the total energy used in the average Canadian household. This could be much higher if you have appliances 10 years old or older.

Here are a few simple steps to follow when you are out shopping:

Read the EnerGuide Label. Each household appliance should have this label affixed to it. This label lists the typical energy usage of the particular category of appliances (i.e. refrigerators), as well as the specific energy use of each model. This allows you to see where a particular model sits in terms of the energy usage. The EnerGuide label is an excellent comparison tool for you to use when shopping.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® Designation. Those appliances that have the ENERGY STAR® designation have been rigorously tested and proven to meet strict guidelines when it comes to their performance. So make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when you are selecting a new appliance. For more information on ENERGY STAR® please visit energystar.gov.

Make sure that each of the appliances you are considering has energy-saving features. These certain features can have an impact on the energy efficiency. Here are a few for you to look out for:

Delay Start

Half-Load Option

Air Dry

Quick Wash

Cold Water Wash

Line Dry

Econo Option

Vacation Mode

When buying new appliances choosing the models that are the right size for your household is very important to consider. Most buyers tend to buy appliances that are too big for their needs and then are strapped with the operating costs, so consider smaller appliances.

Take into consideration these 4 tools and you are well on your way to buying Energy Efficient appliances, then you don’t have to cringe when you receive your energy bill.

If you are starting with researching products on-line, check out all products that BrandSource dealers offer. To find a local BrandSource dealer in your area click here.